Brussels, 24 November 2011 - The European Commission has today asked Italy to adopt national legislation on transportable pressure equipment in accordance with its obligations under European Union law. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures. If Italy fails to inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure full compliance with the Directive, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice

The EU rules

Directive 2010/35/EU on transportable pressure equipment1 establishes common rules for the safe design, construction and necessary inspections for transportable pressure equipment. It also provides for the free circulation and use of such equipment notably by ensuring mutual acceptance of regular and other formal inspections carried out on the equipment.

The reason for today's action

The Commission took the decision to send a reasoned opinion as Italy has not transposed the directive into national law. The directive should have been fully transposed by 30 June 2011.

The practical effect of non-implementation

The directive on transportable pressure equipment seeks to ensure a common level of safety for such equipment. It also creates a full European internal market for the transport of this equipment. Lack of implementation therefore can compromise the safety and distribution of gases in the EU.

Directive 2010/35/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 June 2010 on transportable pressure equipment and repealing Council Directives 76/767/EEC, 84/525/EEC, 84/526/EEC, 84/527/EEC and 1999/36/EC (OJ L 165, 30.6.2010, p. 1)